Translations Of Shakuntala And Other Works Part 16

Like Sharmishtha, Yayati's wife, Win favour measured by your worth; And may you bear a kingly son Like Puru, who shall rule the earth.

_Gautami_. My child, this is not a prayer, but a benediction.

_Kanva_. My daughter, walk from left to right about the fires in which the offering has just been thrown. (_All walk about_.)

The holy fires around the altar kindle, And at their margins sacred gra.s.s is piled; Beneath their sacrificial odours dwindle Misfortunes. May the fires protect you, child!

(SHAKUNTALA _walks about them from left to right_.)

_Kanva_. Now you may start, my daughter. (_He glances about_.) Where are Sharngarava and Sharadvata? (_Enter the two pupils_.)

_The two pupils_. We are here, Father.

_Kanva_. Sharngarava, my son, lead the way for your sister.

_Sharngarava_. Follow me. (_They all walk about_.)

_Kanva_. O trees of the pious grove, in which the fairies dwell,

She would not drink till she had wet Your roots, a sister's duty, Nor pluck your flowers; she loves you yet Far more than selfish beauty.

'Twas festival in her pure life When budding blossoms showed; And now she leaves you as a wife-- Oh, speed her on her road!

_Sharngarava_ (_listening to the song of kol-birds_). Father,

The trees are answering your prayer In cooing cuckoo-song, Bidding Shakuntala farewell, Their sister for so long.

_Invisible beings_,

May lily-dotted lakes delight your eye; May shade-trees bid the heat of noonday cease; May soft winds blow the lotus-pollen nigh; May all your path be pleasantness and peace.

(_All listen in astonishment_.)

_Gautami_. My child, the fairies of the pious grove bid you farewell.

For they love the household. Pay reverence to the holy ones.

_Shakuntala_ (_does so. Aside to_ PRIYAMVADA). Priyamvada, I long to see my husband, and yet my feet will hardly move. It is hard, hard to leave the hermitage.

_Priyamvada_. You are not the only one to feel sad at this farewell.

See how the whole grove feels at parting from you.

The gra.s.s drops from the feeding doe; The peahen stops her dance; Pale, trembling leaves are falling slow, The tears of clinging plants.

_Shakuntala_ (_recalling something_). Father, I must say good-bye to the spring-creeper, my sister among the vines.

_Kanva_. I know your love for her. See! Here she is at your right hand.

_Shakuntala_ (_approaches the vine and embraces it_). Vine sister, embrace me too with your arms, these branches. I shall be far away from you after to-day. Father, you must care for her as you did for me.

_Kanva_.

My child, you found the lover who Had long been sought by me; No longer need I watch for you; I'll give the vine a lover true, This handsome mango-tree.

And now start on your journey. _Shakuntala_ (_going to the two friends_). Dear girls, I leave her in your care too.

_The two friends_. But who will care for poor us? (_They shed tears_.)

_Kanva_. a.n.u.suya! Priyamvada! Do not weep. It is you who should cheer Shakuntala. (_All walk about_.)

_Shakuntala_. Father, there is the pregnant doe, wandering about near the cottage. When she becomes a happy mother, you must send some one to bring me the good news. Do not forget.

_Kanva_. I shall not forget, my child.

_Shakuntala_ (_stumbling_) Oh, oh! Who is it that keeps pulling at my dress, as if to hinder me? (_She turns round to see_.)

_Kanva_.

It is the fawn whose lip, when torn By kusha-gra.s.s, you soothed with oil; The fawn who gladly nibbled corn Held in your hand; with loving toil You have adopted him, and he Would never leave you willingly.

_Shakuntala_. My dear, why should you follow me when I am going away from home? Your mother died when you were born and I brought you up.

Now I am leaving you, and Father Kanva will take care of you. Go back, dear! Go back! (_She walks away, weeping_.)

_Kanva_. Do not weep, my child. Be brave. Look at the path before you.

Be brave, and check the rising tears That dim your lovely eyes; Your feet are stumbling on the path That so uneven lies.

_Sharngarava_. Holy Father, the Scripture declares that one should accompany a departing loved one only to the first water. Pray give us your commands on the bank of this pond, and then return.

_Kanva_. Then let us rest in the shade of this fig-tree. (_All do so_.) What commands would it be fitting for me to lay on King Dushyanta? (_He reflects_.)

_a.n.u.suya_. My dear, there is not a living thing in the whole hermitage that is not grieving to-day at saying good-bye to you. Look!

The sheldrake does not heed his mate Who calls behind the lotus-leaf; He drops the lily from his bill And turns on you a glance of grief.

_Kanva_. Son Sharngarava, when you present Shakuntala to the king, give him this message from me.

Remembering my religious worth, Your own high race, the love poured forth By her, forgetful of her friends, Pay her what honour custom lends To all your wives. And what fate gives Beyond, will please her relatives.

_Sharngarava_. I will not forget your message, Father.

_Kanva_ (_turning to_ SHAKUNTALA). My child, I must now give you my counsel. Though I live in the forest, I have some knowledge of the world.

_Sharngarava_. True wisdom, Father, gives insight into everything.

_Kanva_. My child, when you have entered your husband's home,

Obey your elders; and be very kind To rivals; never be perversely blind And angry with your husband, even though he Should prove less faithful than a man might be; Be as courteous to servants as you may, Not puffed with pride in this your happy day: Thus does a maiden grow into a wife; But self-willed women are the curse of life.